Government > Departments > General Services > Snow and Ice Removal

Snow & Ice Removal

Streets

The Department of General Services is responsible for all snow plowing and ice treatment of over 250 miles of city streets. DGS hires outside contractors to help with the plowing and removal of snow and ice for over 670 city streets.

NOTE:  At no time should anyone shovel, snow blow, or plow any snow or ice into the city streets, carriageways, or crosswalks. According to City code section #323-21B, 323-23 violators may be fined up to $125 per violation plus cost of removal.

Sidewalks

When snow falls it is imperative that property owners keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear for pedestrians in wheelchairs and pedestrian walkers to safely pass by. According to City Code 323-21/22 It is the responsibility of all property owners’ and /or residents to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

The Department of General Services is responsible for enforcing the code. If your property is not cleared of snow/ ice within 24 hours of a snowfall, DGS will then perform the removal of snow and ice from the sidewalk. The removal cost will be billed to the property owner and may result in a $100 fine for each occurrence.

If you would like to report a concern regarding snow and ice removal please call the Department of General Services at 434-CITY (2489). When calling please be sure to have the exact address and cross streets of the location you are calling in about.

Snow Emergencies

The Albany Snow Hotline “476-SNOW” provides information on Snow Emergencies and winter weather events.

When a major snow event occurs, a snow emergency will be declared. Normal parking regulations are temporarily suspended. Parking is only allowed on the even side of the street for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours from the start of the snow emergency residents must move their vehicles to the odd numbered side of streets for the next 24 hours or until the emergency is declared over. Once the snow emergency is officially declared over, all normal parking rules and regulations will be in effect.

In the event that your car is found to be in violation and towed during a snow emergency please contact:

Traffic Safety

518-458-5675

During all declared snow emergencies the City of Albany will temporarily suspend collection of recyclables for the duration of the snow emergency. Please hold your recycling until the following week’s pickup. Trash pickup will be collected and should be placed curbside as usual. Click here for more information

Any questions related to snow & ice removal should be directed to the Department of General Services a call at 518-434-CITY (2489) or email us here.

Click here to download "When it Snows in Albany" a comprehensive guide dedicated to snow in the City of Albany

Click here to download important information regarding snow & Ice removal on city streets

Click here to download important information regarding snow & ice removal on city sidewalks